Rooftop walkway

Abstract

A roof top walkway system for a pitched roof comprises a platform for a user to walk on and a levelling device for supporting and angling the platform relative to the pitched roof so that the platform

Description

The present invention relates to rooftop walkway, particularly to levelling device for a pitched rooftop walkway. Background Rooftop walkway systems are used in construction to provide routes for workers to safely access equipment, pipes, and other important accessories on commercial roofs. Rooftops on commercial buildings, although appearing to be flat, usually have a built-in slope for drainage purposes. Large roofs may have several drainage areas, each having their own slope. Rooftop walkways are essential for corporations working of rooftops to be compliant with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and safety requirements. Slipping is a major cause of falls from heights, the walkways offer level paths to protect workers from slips, trips and falls while working on the roof. When people walk anywhere on roofs, they can damage the roof or walk over a weak spot that crumbles and injures them, rooftop walkways keep workers away from risky roof access points. The walkway systems not only protect the workers, but to also protect the roof from any damage caused by foot traffic. In roofing applications, significant foot traffic on the roof can cause expensive damage. Rooftop walkways are typically lightweight and protect the roof without adding strain to the roof support structure. Due to the variability of what is needed for each job, creating a rooftop walkway which provides the above benefits requires that the walkway be adapted for the needs of each job. A typical rooftop walkway comprises a platform for a person to walk along, a handrail for the person to steady themselves, and at least one levelling device located beneath the platform to adjust the pitch of the platform relative to the rooftop such that it is substantially horizontal. One example of a levelling device known in the art comprises an upright strut attachable at one end to the rooftop and attached at the other end to a crossbeam. The crossbeam extends from the side of the strut and below the platform to a higher section of the rooftop where it is attachable. Elements of the walkways, such as the platform and the guiderail are standardised and can be kept in storage awaiting use. However, levelling devices are built to order, as they vary in length and configuration depending on the requirements of the walkway needed. As each walkway is built to order, this causes delays to the commencement of the project in question. In the levelling device example provided, both the strut and the crossbeam must be built to order due to the change in pitch changing the requirements of both the length of the strut, the length of the beam, and where the crossbeam attaches to the strut and the platform. Because of the complexity of the configuration, these levelling devices are configured and built in standard sizes to accommodate roof pitches in 5 degree increments. This means that the rooftop walkways may not be always be level. Rooftop walkways can also be flimsy. In the levelling device example provided, the crossbeam is connected to the side of the strut meaning any force exerted on the levelling device is exerted on the connection between the crossbeam and the strut- weakest part of the levelling device. It is an aim of the invention to provide rooftop walkway that mitigates one or more of the above-mentioned problems. Statements of invention According to another first aspect of the invention there is provided a rooftop walkway levelling device for adjusting the angle of a platform when mounted on a pitched roof, the device comprising ; a first beam for the platform to be mounted on, a second beam for mounting onto the rooftop, and a strut located at one end of the first and second beams for holding the beams apart by a predetermined distance. The strut may removably attached to the first and / or second beam. This means that the strut can be replaced, or removed to be altered in length before being reattached to the device. The length of the strut determines the angle the levelling device, therefore the strut being removably attached allow the angle of the levelling device to be adjustable. The strut may be movably attached to one end of the first and / or second beam. Such that any length of strut required can be place into the device without the length of the first and / or second beam needing to be altered. The strut may be located between the first and second beams. Any force applied to the beams would then by transferred through the strut and not be placed on the attachment fixings. Preferably, the strut is attached to the first and second beams by a pivot joint. Preferably there is pivot joint at each end of the strut. The pivot joint may be located on the underside of the first and second beams. The pivot joints are attached to the first and second beams, such that the strut can be slotted into the pivot joints. The first and second beams may be attached at another end. Preferably the first and second beams are attached at another end by a movable joint. Preferable the movable joint is a pivot joint. Preferably the second beam comprises means for attaching to the rooftop. Preferably the first beam comprises means for attaching to the platform. Preferably the first beam at least partially fits within the second beam. This allows the device to be compacted for ease of travel when the strut is not attached. According to a another aspect of the invention there is provided a rooftop walkway system for a pitched roof, the system comprising; a platform for a user to walk on and a levelling device for angling the platform relative to the pitched roof, wherein the levelling device comprises a first beam for the platform to be mounted on, a second beam for mounting onto the rooftop, and a strut located at one end of the first and second beams for holding the beams apart by a predetermined distance. According to a another aspect of the invention there is provided a levelling device for adjusting the angle of a platform on a rooftop walkway system, the device comprising; a first beam for the platform to be mounted on, a second beam for mounting onto the rooftop, and a strut located at one end of the first and second beams for holding the beams apart by a predetermined distance. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a levelling device for a rooftop walkway, the method comprising; attaching a first beam to a second beam at a first end with a movable joint, cutting a strut to a suitable length, and attaching the strut to one end of the first and second beams. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a modular rooftop walkway component, wherein a module each comprises; a platform for a user to walk on and a levelling device for angling the platform relative to the pitched roof, wherein the levelling device comprises a first beam for the platform to be mounted on, a second beam for mounting onto the rooftop, and a strut located at one end of the first and second beams for holding the beams apart by a predetermined distance. Optional features are defined in the dependent claims and within the following detailed description. Detailed description Practicable embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a rooftop walkway in situ in accordance with an example of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a levelling device 103 in accordance with an example of the invention. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a levelling device 103 in accordance with an example of the invention. Figure 4a shows a perspective view of a levelling device 103 in accordance with an example of the invention. Figure 4b shows a perspective view of a levelling device 103 in accordance with an example of the invention. Figure 4c shows a perspective view of a levelling device 103 in accordance with an example of the invention. Figure 5a shows a perspective view of a levelling device 103 configured to be attached to a rooftop in accordance with an example of the invention. Figure 5b shows a perspective view of a levelling device 103 configured to be attached to a rooftop in accordance with an example of the invention. Rooftop walkway system Figure 1 shows a rooftop walkway 100 in situ attached to a pitched roof 101. The walkway comprises a platform 102 and a levelling device 103. In some examples, the walkway may further comprise a guiderail / handrail to steady the user when on the platform. In certain circumstances, the user may be harnessed to the guiderail. The platform 102 comprises a plurality of slats 104 attached to a frame 105. The frame 105 may comprise at least two rails, and the slats 104 may be mounted on the rails. Alternatively, the platform 102 may comprise one continuous piece of material mounted on the frame 105. The platform 102 may comprise an anti-slip material. The walkway system 100 may be modular. Each module may comprise a platform 102 and at least two support members. The support members may comprise levelling devices 103. The walkway may comprise a plurality of modules. Each module may comprise the same pitch. Each module may comprise a different pitch. Each module may be connected. Alternatively, the modules may not be connected but aligned continuously. The rooftop walkway system may comprise as many support members per platform distance needed to meet the requirements set by the regulation BS EN 516 for installations for roof access (building products) permanently fixed to the load-bearing construction of pitched roofs, to stand or to walk on during inspection, maintenance and repair of facilities on the roof. The roof walkway system may comprise between 2 and 15 support members for every 3 metres of platform. The roof walkway system may comprise 3 support members for every 3 metres of platform. There may be an additional support member for the beginning of the rooftop walkway and an additional levelling device for the end of the rooftop walkway. Levelling device Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the levelling device 103 in accordance with an example of the invention. The levelling device 103 is for angling the platform 102 of a rooftop walkway 101 relative to the pitched roof to provide a substantially horizontal walkway. The levelling device may also be referred to as a support member. The levelling device 103 comprises a first beam 201, a second beam 202, and a strut 203. The first beam 201 is configured for the platform 102 to be mounted thereon. The strut 203 is located at a first end of the first beam 201 and at a first end of the second beam 202. The strut 203 holds the first ends of beams apart by a predetermined distance. The distance between the first ends of beams the is proportional to the length of the strut 203. The strut 203 is removably attachable to the first beam 201 and second beam 202. The strut 203 is removably attached at each end to the first and second beams. The strut 203 is removably attached to the rest of the levelling device. The strut 203 can be removed from the first and second beams and re-attached to the first and second beams. Each of the first beam 201 and the second beam 202 comprise an attachment means 204 for attaching the beams to the strut. The attachment means 204 is located at one end of the beams. The attachment means 204 movably attaches the strut 203 to the first and second beams 204. The attachment means 204 allows the strut to move toward and away from the beams. The attachment means 204 allows the strut to be angled diagonally. The attachments means 204 comprises a pivot joint. The first beam 201 and the second beam 202 are attached at a second end by an attachment means 205. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a levelling device 103 in accordance with an example of the invention. The first beam 201, second beam 202, and strut 203 are shown. The first beam 201 comprises a U-shaped cross section. The first beam 201 is straight. The first beam 201 comprises at least one attachment means 301. The attachment means 301 is for attaching the levelling device to the platform 102 of the walkway 101. In this example there are two attachment means 301. There is an attachment means 301 located at each end of the first beam 201. The attachment means 301 is located on the top of the first beam. The attachment means 301 extends upwardly. The attachment means 301 is configured to be attached to the platform 102 such that the platform 102 lays along the first beam 201. The attachment means 301 may comprise any suitable means for attaching the first beam 201 to the platform 102. The attachment means may comprise a plate with apertures for receiving bolts. The sides of the first beam 201 extend downwardly toward the second beam 302. The second beam 202 has a U-shaped cross section. The second beam 202 is straight. The bottom of the second beam 202 is flat. The second beam 202 comprises at least one attachment means 302. The attachment means 302 is for attaching the levelling device to the rooftop 101. In this example there are two attachment means 302. There is an attachment means 302 located at each of the second beam 202. The attachment means 302 is located on the bottom of the second beam 202. The attachment means 302 is such that the bottom of the second beam 202 remains flat. The attachment means 301 is configured to be attached to the platform 102 such that the platform 102 lays along the first beam 201. The attachment means 301 may comprise any suitable means for attaching the second beam 202 to the rooftop 101. The attachment means may comprise apertures within the bottom of the second beam 202 for receiving bolts. The sides of the second beam 202 extend upwards towards the first beam 201. The first beam 201 is narrower than the second beam 202 such that the first beam 201 at least partially fits within the second beam 202. Alternatively, the second beam 202 may be narrower than the first beam 201 such that the second beam 202 at least partially fits within the first beam 201. The first beam 201 is narrower than the second beam 202 such that the sides of the first beam at least partially fit within the sides of the second beam 202. The second beam 202 may comprise recesses to accommodate fixings on the sides of the first beam 201. In the present example, the second beam 202 comprises a recess 303 to accommodate fixings present on the sides of the first beam 201. The attachment means 204 that attaches the first beam to the strut 203 is located on the bottom of the first beam. The attachment means 204 that attaches the first beam to the strut 203 is located between the sides of the first beam 201. The attachment means 204 that attaches the second beam to the strut 203 is located on the top of the second beam. The attachment means 204 that attaches the second beam to the strut 203 is located between the sides of the second beam 202. The attachments means 204 on the first beam 201 is situated behind the attachment means on the second beam 202. The strut 203 is attached on the bottom of the first beam and on the top of the second beam such that it is located between the first and second beams. The strut extends between the two beams. The first beam and the second beam are movable attached by an attachments means 205 located at a second end of each beam. The attachment means 205 allows the first end of the first beam 201 and the second beam 202 to move toward and away from each other. The attachments means 205 allows the first and second beams be angled in relation to each other. In this example, the attachment means 205 comprises a bolt which passes through both sides of the first and second beams. Alternatively, the attachment means may comprise a plurality of bolts, each only passing through one side of each beam. They attachment means 205 may comprise any suitable means which allows the beams to be angled in relation to each other. The first and second beams may be injection moulded. The first and second beams may comprise glass filled nylon. Adjustability The angle between the first beam 201 and second beam 202 of the levelling device is adjustable as shown in Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c. The angle between the first beam 201 and the seconds beam 202 is dependent on the length of the strut 203. The angle between the first beam 201 and the second beam 202 is proportional to the length of the strut 203. The strut 203 may comprise any suitable length. As the strut 203 may comprise any suitable length, the angle between the first beam and the second beam is continuously adjustable. The angle at which the levelling device can orientate the platform is continuously adjustable. The strut 203 can be cut to any suitable length. The strut may be cut to length on site. The strut may be cut to length in advance of being sent to site. The strut 203 comprises a pipe. The pipe may be hollow. The strut being hollow allows for the strut to be cut to length with ease. The beams of the levelling device can be constructed in advance. When the levelling device is required and the roof pitch is known, the strut can be cut to the required length and the levelling device assembled. The strut may be sent to site separately to the first and second beams. The first and second beams may be folded together for ease of transport. The strut may slot within each of the attachments means 204 of the first and second beams such that it can be removed with ease. The strut may slot into pivot connectors 401. Each end of the of the strut may slot into the pivot connectors. The levelling device can be assembled on site. In present invention strut is provided directly between the two beams. The attachment means 204 is located on the bottom of the first beam and the top of the second beam such that the strut 203 is situated between the two beams. When the levelling device is subject to force from the platform, this creates limited stress on the attachment means. The attachment means 204 allows the strut to move toward and away from the beams. The attachment means 204 allows the strut to be angled in relation to the first and second beams. The angle at which the strut sits in relation to the first and second beam can be changed due to it being movably attached to the first and second beams. The attachment means 205 attaching the first and second beams together created a hinge. The first and second beams are hinged together. The adjustability of the strut is matched by the attachment means 205. The first beam 201 can be folded within the second beam 202 either partially, or completely. The second beam 202 is longer than the first beam 201. The second beam 202 is longer than the first beam 201 such that it extends beyond each end of the first beam. Connections to rooftop The attachment means 302 is configured to be compatible with all types of fixtures suitable for use with different roof sheets. Figure 5a shows a perspective view of a levelling device 103 configured to be attached to a rooftop in accordance with an example of the invention. In this example, the levelling device further comprises a roof attachment means 501. The roof attachment means 501 is connected to the attachment means 302 on the second beam 202. The roof attachment means 501 is for attaching the levelling device to a standing seam roof. In this example, the roof attachment means comprises a clamp. Alternatively, any suitable fixing known in the art for attaching the levelling device to a standing seam roof may be used. Figure 5b shows a perspective view of a levelling device 103 configured to be attached to a rooftop in accordance with an example of the invention. In this example there is shown a third beam 502 and a fourth beam 503. The third beam is attached to one end of the second beam, and the fourth beam is 5 attached to another end of the second beam. The third and fourth beams are connected to the second beam by the attachment means 301. io The third and fourth beams both have a top hat profile. The third and fourth beams may comprise aluminium. The third and fourth beams are configured to be mounted on the rooftop. This 15 allows the levelling device to be attached anywhere along the rooftop, not just where a seam is present. The placement of the levelling device on the roof is continuously adjustable.

Claims

1. A rooftop walkway levelling device for adjusting the angle of a platform when mounted on a pitched roof, the device comprising: a first beam for the platform to be mounted on;a second beam for mounting onto the rooftop;and a strut located at one end of the first and second beams for holding the beams apart by a predetermined distance.

2. The levelling device of any claim 1, wherein the strut is removably attached to the first and second beams.

3. The levelling device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the strut is located between the first and second beams.

4. The levelling device of any preceding claim, wherein the strut is movably attached to the first and second beams.

5. The levelling device of any preceding claim, wherein the first beam at least partially fits within the second beam, or vice versa.

6. The levelling device of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second beams comprise a U-shaped cross section, with two sides and a top.

7. The levelling device of claim 6, wherein the sides of the first beam extend toward the second beam, and the sides of the second beam extend toward the first beam.

8. The levelling device of claims 6 or 7, wherein the first and second beams each comprise an attachment means for attaching to the strut, the attachment means being located between the sides of the beams.

9. The levelling device of claim 8, wherein the attachment means comprises a pivot joint.10.The levelling device of any preceding claim, wherein the second beam is substantially straight throughout its length.11 .The levelling device of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second beam are movably attached.

12. The levelling device of claim 11, wherein the first and second beam are attached by a pivot joint at an opposite end to where they are attached to the strut.5 13.The levelling device of any preceding claim, wherein the strut can be anysuitable length.14.The levelling device of any preceding claim, wherein the top of the second beam is substantially flat on the top section where it is configured to beio mounted on the rooftop.15.The levelling device of any preceding claim, wherein the top of the first beam comprises at least one attachment means for attaching to the platform.1516.The levelling device of claim 15, wherein the attachment means extends upwardly from either end of the first beam in an opposite direction to the sides.

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